Bury St Edmunds Treatt installs £650,000 solar panel system which will cut carbon by 97 tonnes a year

A global manufacturer and supplier of natural extracts and ingredients has announced the successful installation of its £650,000 on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) panel system at its European headquarters.

The solar PV panel installation, covering the entire roof of Treatt’s Suffolk Park facility, Bury St Edmunds, is projected to generate 650,000 kWh of clean energy annually. Treatt anticipates this will provide approximately 25 per cent of its current UK electricity demand, saving 97 tonnes of carbon a year.

David Shannon, CEO for Treatt, said: “With sustainability embedded within the business, we are collectively working towards our net zero ambitions for 2050, to which this new solar install plays a key part.

“This investment is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact and operate more sustainably while delighting our customers worldwide.”

Treatt’s purpose-built facility, which opened in 2021, received a prestigious BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating of: Very Good, which means the newly built asset supports commercial success, while also creating a positive environmental and social impact.

Sustainability considerations were a driving force behind the design and have resulted in a reduced carbon footprint, as well as enhanced thermal and operational performance.

The building showcases a range of eco-friendly efficiency features in relation to lighting, thermal efficiency of materials, incorporation of a smart building management system and a state-of-the-art HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning).

Katie Severn, global sustainability manager, said: “At our new facility, we’re achieving significant energy efficiencies, reducing our Scope 1 emissions - including natural gas, diesel, propane - by 52 per cent compared to our previous site.

“As we grow, our commitment to green energy ensures we’re minimising our environmental impact while helping our customers achieve their own carbon reduction goals.

“By working together, we can drive meaningful progress in reducing emissions and accelerating decarbonisation across our industry.”

This £650,000 capital investment in on-site solar PV demonstrates Treatt’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, while also providing a favourable return on investment.

It is one of more than 30 projects completed or planned across the global business, to meet its 42 per cent scope 1 and 2 carbon reduction target by 2030.

The project was completed in partnership with 3ti who specialise in renewable energy solutions.